About five years have passed since we’ve had a dog to share our lives with us. We have had several, some purebred as well as our wonderful first pet, Bentley, a mixed breed terrier rescued from a trash can. To be honest, I was not expecting to return from brunch last weekend via the SPCA with a dog who badly needed a foster home.
A good friend who rescues, fosters and owns many dogs has been nudging my husband and me in the direction of getting another dog for a while but we have managed to hold the line. This time her description of this pup with a broken leg who needed a quiet , calm place to heal was all it took to convince us that as health care professionals we were perfectly suited to become foster dog parents.
When we met Tovu, an enthusiastic and friendly lab-hound mix with a slight limp,we were smitten. He greeted us with a wagging tail and a hopeful look. Are you taking me home from here, please?
Home we went laden with a kennel for him and other supplies to tend for his leg and to smooth his adjustment. He settled in well, loves to be around people and constantly wants to play. Unfortunately , his leg injury needs rest and time for the bones to heal. Additionally, when he is bored or left alone, he attempts to chew off his splint from the bottom up. The cone and collar that we put on him as well as the pills to keep him sedated help but are only effective until we miss a dose or when they wear off.
The real question is whether or not we will adopt him once our foster gig is done. As retirees, we were looking forward to a little less responsibility and a little more freedom but I feel like he needs us. Maybe when he is healed and free to play, explore and move unencumbered, he can be one of us. A free spirit. Too soon to tell but we are hoping. Hoping he will put a little spring in our step as we put the security of a loving home in his.
Best of luck, Tovu.